Phoenix—Officials with the U.S. Department of Education visited two Maricopa County schools on Friday, March 6, 2015, to learn about two innovative programs that are helping school districts improve the effectiveness of educators and retain their best talent.

U.S. Department of Education Teacher Quality Programs Director Venetia Richardson and TIF Program Manager Vicki Robinson visited Garfield Elementary School in the Phoenix Elementary School District and Cordova Middle School in the Alhambra School District to speak with district superintendents and school administrators about how the TIF programs and the progress that has been made at their schools.

“The school visits were very insightful, especially the conversations about how data is used to make human capital management decisions for teacher and principal placement and professional development,” said TIF Program Manager Vicki Robinson. “It was good to hear that the observation instruments are improving instructional practice and educator effectiveness,” Robinson said.

The REIL program was launched in 2010 and will conclude this year and the REIL-TNG program commenced in 2012 and will conclude in 2017.

“Alliance districts have made tremendous progress with the retention and development of highly effective educators and we expect to see a continued upward trend in student achievement as a result,” said Chief Deputy Superintendent of MCESA Kristine Morris.